Information for Local Authors

The Library recognizes the creative efforts of current county residents by including their works in the collection when possible. These works must meet the Library's selection criteria and standards as detailed in the Selection Policy for Library Materials

Please send a copy of your finished work and a cover letter introducing yourself to:

All new works are evaluated using the Selection Policy for Library Materials. Professional reviews in journals such as Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly are consulted in the selection process. Some works, especially works of nonfiction, may not be considered without accompanying professional reviews. Library staff will not discuss critical or editorial issues with authors. Please allow the selectors two months to consider the work and inform you whether it has been accepted for the Library's collection.

If the Library decides to add your book, you may be asked to donate at least two copies if we are unable to purchase copies through the Library’s book vendors. The Library uses book wholesalers Ingram and Baker & Taylor as these vendors provide substantial discounts to public libraries and these discounts allow us to purchase more materials for the entire library system.

Please note: The Library cannot add self-published eBooks.

Professional Review Sources

For best results, select review sources that target your specific market in terms of genre and intended audience. Market guides such as Writer's Digest and Writer's Market can assist with your research. Be certain to read and follow the specific guidelines for each source before submitting your work. Ask at your library branch's Information Desk for help finding these resources.

Selection librarians consult these review sources when considering purchases. When submitting your work for consideration, please include reviews from at least one of these sources whenever possible.

Kliatt (reviews young adult books)

Additional Publications

These publications may help you publicize your work, but they are not considered sources of professional reviews. This is also true of consumer reviews posted on web sites such as amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.